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In the past three years, Mary has secured the acquittal of the youngest person in the United Kingdom to be accused of terrorism. She represented the stepmother of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes at her trial for murder and cruelty and successfully argued at the Court of Appeal that her sentence was not unduly lenient. She secured the acquittal of the alleged leader of a significant organised crime group who was said to run the sale and supply of drugs and firearms in the Coventry area of the Midlands by violence and threats. She secured the conviction on retrial of Emma Magson and the conviction of John Jefferies who killed two young men in revenge for damaging his car. In addition, she has secured the conviction for murder of the parents of Finley Boden for his savage death.
When defending she regularly visits her clients, gains their trust and determines a focused trial strategy. Mary is fearless when cross-examining those who require a robust approach.
Testimonials
Mary is a powerful and compelling advocate whose emotional intelligence and empathy give her a real tactical advantage, whether she prosecutes or defends. She is 100% committed to her cases, and her work is outstanding. Particularly good at questioning vulnerable witnesses. Legal 500 2023
Mary demonstrates an impressive grasp for evidence and her presentation of the case for the Crown is excellent. She brings the threads of a case together with great skill and prosecutes fairly and confidently in order to achieve justice for all involved. Legal 500 2022
Extremely robust and meticulous in her case preparation and cross-examination, commanding the respect of the court room and instilling confidence in her.Legal 500 2021
Tenacious, focused and secures excellent outcomes.Legal 500 2020
I wish to take the opportunity to thank Mary Prior QC for her tireless work on this case. This was a case that involved various levels of professionalism, whether it was dealing with demanding solicitors, a vulnerable defendant or their family. Mary Prior QC excelled in dealing with everyones expectations whilst remaining professional throughout. Congratulations and thank you Mary Prior QC.Solicitor
Further information
Appointed KC 2017
Bencher at Gray’s Inn
Vice Chair of the Criminal Bar Association
Deputy Head of the Criminal Team
36 Crime Vice Chair of Education – Outreach – Gray’s Inn
Chair of RASSO Group CBA Vulnerable Witness trainer/facilitator ICCA
Gray’s Inn advocacy and ethics trainer
Women in Criminal Law – Joint Chair Midlands Branch
Trainer for Leicestershire Police disclosure champions
Co-Chair Leicestershire Schools Courts Competition
Member of:
Midland Circuit South Eastern Circuit Criminal Bar Association
Gray’s Inn Visiting professional fellow Aston University
Editorial Board The Contemporary Law Forum – India
Women in Criminal Law
Patron of Bristol University Criminal Justice Society
Patron of Northumbria Bar Society Trustee of Bringing (Dis) Ability to the Bar
Champion of Neurodiversity in Law
Patron of the Non-Russell Group of Lawyers